What do you do if you want to combat air pollution in urban areas?

Installation of smart air quality measurement systems in the territory of the municipality. Installation of a network of smart autonomous sensors for measuring air quality, microparticles and local meteorological data in central nodes of the city. Daily data to citizens about air pollutants

Deploy a network of air quality monitoring stations across the urban area to continuously track pollution levels. Utilize advanced sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) technology to gather real-time data on pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. Make this data accessible to the public through mobile apps and online platforms to raise awareness and inform decision-making.

Clean energy, like solar and wind power, can significantly reduce air pollution in cities by producing electricity without harmful emissions. Switching to electric vehicles also helps cut down on air pollution caused by traditional fuel-powered cars. By embracing clean energy solutions, we can create healthier urban environments for everyone to live in.

Transitioning to clean energy sources reduces emissions from power plants, which are significant contributors to air pollution. This includes investing in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power systems, and phasing out coal-fired power plants. Encouraging the use of renewable energy in homes, businesses, and public institutions is also key.

Transportation is a major source of urban air pollution. Strategies include promoting electric and hybrid vehicles, improving public transportation systems to make them more efficient and appealing, creating bike lanes, and encouraging walking through pedestrian-friendly urban designs. Policies to limit the use of older, more polluting vehicles can also be effective.

Encourage the use of public transportation by investing in efficient, affordable, and reliable transit systems. This can help reduce the number of private vehicles on the road and decrease emissions. Besides, use smart traffic management systems to reduce congestion and emissions, such as synchronized traffic lights and adaptive traffic signal control.

Green spaces like parks, gardens, and urban forests can improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen. They also lower city temperatures, reducing the formation of ozone. Expanding green spaces and tree planting in urban areas can contribute significantly to cleaner air.

Large green spaces in cities are also vital for improving people's physical health. More specifically, it helps to improve air quality, as plants absorb carbon dioxide and other air pollutants. Also through photosynthesis, plants produce oxygen, enhancing the purity and quality of the air we breathe. This process reduces the levels of air pollution associated with many respiratory and heart diseases.

Strong policies and regulations are critical. This can include emissions standards for vehicles and industries, restrictions on the use of certain pollutants, and incentives for pollution control technologies. Environmental regulations should be strictly enforced to ensure compliance.

Innovation in technology can lead to new ways to reduce emissions and clean the air. For example, the development of more efficient fuel technologies, air purification systems, and sustainable urban planning. Education campaigns can raise awareness about air pollution and its health impacts, encouraging individuals and businesses to adopt cleaner practices.

In summary this is what I would consider to address air pollution in urban areas: After identifying the various sources of air pollution in the urban areas, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, implementing strict regulations on vehicle emissions is crucial. This involves promoting the use of electric vehicles, improving public transportation systems, and incentivizing the adoption of cleaner fuels. Additionally, investing in infrastructure for walking and cycling can reduce reliance on cars, further reducing emissions. Secondly, reducing industrial emissions is essential. This can be achieved through the implementation of stricter regulations on industrial pollutants, encouraging the adoption of cleaner production technologies

Stop expansion of urban areas and shift the facilities to rural areas.Adopt Dr APJ Kalam's concet of "PURA".Providing urbanfacilities in rural areas."

To tackle air pollution in large urban centres, a ring road could be created in the city centre so that cars are not overcrowded, strengthening public transport with a new electric fleet of vehicles, creating cycle paths in the city centre, implementing teleworking in city centre services.